"I don't understand much, please have Prefect He explain it to me," I said.
"Of course."
I truly didn't understand, so I could only follow Prefect He, listening to his explanations. However, I kept my Qi Sight technique active and indeed discovered that some of the antiques were enveloped in a faint, ethereal aura.
The last time I saw an aura on an inanimate object was at Changbai Mountain, on the mountain where Tianchi Lake is located. The entire mountain emanated a purple qi. Aside from that, I hadn't observed any aura on other objects.
Furthermore, with my current cultivation level, I could only perceive the presence of these auras on the antiques, but not judge their strength or color. However, Yaoyao was clearly much more skilled than I was. She would occasionally stop at a particular exhibit, crouch down, and look at the space above the antique, undoubtedly observing the qi.
After the tour, Prefect He generously stated, "Esteemed Immortals, you have not only guided me but also helped me resolve a significant hidden danger. My gratitude is beyond words. The items I have collected here are worth a considerable sum. Please, feel free to choose whatever you wish, consider it a token of my sincere appreciation!"
"Prefect He, then I won't be polite," Yaoyao said with a smile, walking straight to her chosen items. She selected four treasures: two scrolls, a seal, and a small object whose purpose I couldn't discern. I recalled Prefect He mentioning it was perhaps a snuff bottle.
"Alright, I'll take these," Yaoyao declared, pulling out a plastic bag from her pocket and placing the four items inside.
"Uh... this," Prefect He's expression turned somewhat troubled. "Esteemed Immortal, you truly don't need to be so formal with me!"
This was because Yaoyao had chosen items from the surrounding display cabinets. She hadn't touched any of the individual masterpieces housed in the nine large central display cases, such as the bronze galloping horses, the blue and white porcelain vases, or the Tang Dynasty tri-colored pottery. These were all sizable pieces. Perhaps in the realm of antiques, the larger items hold more sway?
"These are very beautiful. Gold can't buy what I like," Yaoyao stated.
Prefect He then looked at Whale God and me. "The two of you, would you also like to select a few items?"
I waved my hand. "No need to be so extravagant. The two Immortals have already picked four, which is perfect, one for each of us."
I figured Yaoyao wouldn't be interested in anything remaining, rendering it of little value.
After the visit, as we were about to enter the elevator, I quietly asked Prefect He, "My second sister's chosen four trinkets, how much are they worth?"
Prefect He knew his treasures intimately and quickly calculated their acquisition cost from back then, which totaled around 500,000. He estimated that if sold now, with the market being favorable, they might fetch 800,000.
"I'll transfer the money to you later," I said.
"Oh, you mustn't do that!" Prefect He hastily refused. "I fear my collection is not worthy of your esteemed Immortal eyes, and perhaps I gave you the impression of being hospitable, thus you chose a few items casually. I am already embarrassed. How can I possibly accept money from you again!"
I was only speaking in jest.
Upon reaching the first floor, just as Shakespeare arrived to collect the poems, we waited for a moment. After Shakespeare departed, we exited the villa, bid farewell to Prefect He, and returned to the Zhe Jiang Building.
As soon as we reached the parking lot, Lin Chi called, asking if we were responsible for the fire at the development zone.
"You're only finding out now?"
"Just thought it might be you," Lin Chi said with a laugh. "I just received word that Cang Jing's headquarters in Lv Shun has gotten wind of this. Many experts are en route. They'll likely also guess that you're the ones causing trouble."
"Then that's perfect," I replied.
"Perfect for what?"
"Perfect for raiding their home base!" I exclaimed excitedly. This was precisely the effect I wanted. "Director Lin, I plan to mobilize our entire team for an operation. Lv Shun will be handed over to you and Captain Shen. Is that acceptable?"
"...Are you taking command of our Shakespeare?" Lin Chi asked awkwardly, then cleared her throat, possibly because others were nearby.
"We're fighting side-by-side! I'll still be following your lead!" I chuckled.
"That's more like it," Lin Chi giggled. "However, your thoughts align perfectly with mine. I suggest your team head to Lv Shun immediately and take this opportunity to destroy Cang Jing Group's headquarters. I'll have people meet you at the Lv Shun highway exit to guide you."
A truly mutual endeavor. Now, let's see whose methods are tougher.